Beyond Being An Ally: Balancing Professionalism & Activism February 7, 2015
Beyond Being An Ally: Balancing
Professionalism & Activism
February 7, 2015
Professional Background
• GVSU MPA 2003 – G.A. for Johnson Center
• Catholic Charities of West Michigan
• American Cancer Society
• Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
• GVSU Adjunct Professor
• The Right Place
Community Work
• Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act
• Marriage Equality
• OutPro (Grand Rapids Area Chamber of
Commerce)
• Our LGBT Fund (Grand Rapids Community
Foundation)
• Experience Grand Rapids
• GVSU LGBT Alumni Chapter
Why Do I Do All This LGBT Work?
• Impacts me personally and professionally
• Sharpens the focus of my community efforts
• The time is now
Why Do I Do All This LGBT Work?
• 53% LGBT hide who they are at work
• 80% non-LGBT say personal lives come up weekly or daily
• 81% non-LGBT say people should not have to hide who they are
• > 50% non-LGBT not comfortable hearing LGBTs talk about dating
• 25% LGBT say coworkers seem uncomfortable
• 63% LGBT report hearing jokes at work
Source: HRC The Cost of the Closet and Rewards of Inclusion
The Impact
Definitions
• Diversity: The “mix” -- Age, gender, race/ethnicity, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, abilities, etc.
• Inclusion: Making the “mix” work.
• Equity: Access to opportunities that produce positive outcomes regardless of identity, place, economic status, etc.
The Vision for Change
Diversity
(People)
Inclusion
(Orgs)
Equity
(Results)
Why is Equity Important?
• Employee attraction and retention
• Avoid “group think”
• Creativity, innovation, problem-solving
• Globally competitive
• Company reputation in the community
• Represent diversity of customers – you can serve them better
Recognizing Diversity, Inclusion &
Equity in The Workplace
• Look at diversity of their workforce
• Do they have diverse leadership?
• Do they have inclusive employment policies?
• Do they have employee resource groups?
• How are they involved in the community?
• HRC Corporate Equality Index
How I Balance Activism &
Professionalism
• Have a reputation for being good at what I do
• Ask for forgiveness rather than permission
• Balance what I have with what I’m willing to risk
• Do not alienate people
• Be patient. Real change takes time.
• Mix community work with professional work
• Know when to leave it alone
Allies Make A Difference
• Get Involved!
• Critical mass
• Contribute unique talents and resources
• Educate others outside LGBT community
• Make others feel comfortable
• Be intolerant of degrading jokes
• Challenge those who use offensive terms
